Wilmington College has been so enriched with high-impact student leadership this year that two seniors were selected to receive the Robert E. Lucas Leadership Award at the culmination of Saturday’s (April 25) Student Honors Convocation and Senior Recognition Awards program.
The duo of Lexi Ward and Maile Oswald was recognized as graduating seniors who are respected by the entire College community, possess dynamic and optimistic personalities, and have made significant contributions to the campus. Their names could be heard repeatedly as the program’s awards were conferred.
Other Senior Recognition Awards from the Student Life area went to: Lexi Ward, Student Government Association (SGA) president, 2025-26, Distinguished Service Award; Lexi Ward and Maile Oswald, The Karen Couch Residence Life Award; Abbigail Whitesell, Quaker Activities Council (QAC) Service Award; Maile Oswald and Tabitha McCutcheon, Excellence in Community Engagement Award; Matthew Maramasaka, Quaker Leaders Scholars Distinction Award; and Ruth Beery, Excellence in the Wilmington College Honors Program.
President Corey Cockerill shared each Lucas Award recipient’s background and supporting criteria, while Sigrid Solomon, vice president for student affairs/dean of students, and J. Wynn Alexander, vice president for academic affairs/dean of faculty, assisted with the presentations.
Cockerill described Ward, a senior majoring in agricultural business from Norwalk, as a leader, with an “extraordinary level of involvement” both on and off campus. ”She exemplifies the spirit of this award through her energy, visibility and deep commitment to campus life,” the president said., noting she has served as a Student Ambassador, Resident Assistant, active member of Student Government (2025-26 president), and member of the Resident Student Association and Student Athletic Advisory Council. “Lexi has consistently stepped into leadership roles that strengthen the student experience.”
Also, Ward has worked with Main Street Wilmington and served on such committees as Wellness Day, Judicial Board and Community Day. “Known for her dynamic and optimistic personality, she is widely respected across campus and has made a lasting impact through her enthusiasm, service and leadership,” Cockerill added. Ward will start graduate school in May as a student in WC’s Master of Organizational Leadership program and continue to serve WC’s Student Affairs area as a graduate assistant.
PICTURED: Surrounding Lucas Award co-recipient Maile Oswald are, from the left, Nancy McCormick, campus minister; President Corey Cockerill; Sigrid Solomon, vice president for student affairs/dean of students; and Wynn Alexander, vice president for academic affairs/dean of faculty.
Oswald is an exercise science major with an allied health concentration from Wellington. She has combined academic excellence, leadership and a deep commitment to community service. “She embodies the heart of servant leadership, making a profound impact both on campus and in the broader community,” Cockerill said, noting Oswald is a resident assistant and long-standing member of the Service Leadership Executive Board who “has led with compassion and purpose.” Her extensive volunteer work features serving such organizations as Sugartree Ministries, the Clinton County Homeless Shelter and Prairie Oaks Retirement Village.
The president also noted that Oswald has “enriched campus life” through her involvement in Faith in Action, the Honors Program, and by revitalizing initiatives like Clinton County Youth Collaborative Fun Nights. Her leadership extends globally through service trips to Detroit, Costa Rica and Belize. ”Respected for her kindness, dedication and quiet strength, Maile represents the very essence of this award.” Oswald plans to start chiropractic school in May at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minnesota.
TOP PHOTO: President Corey Cockerill congratulates Lexi Ward, co-recipient of the Robert E. Lucas Leadership Award.